Aurea Package

[researchfreak90]

Hi. Our first Cruise with MSC will be Seaside In October next year. We usually cruise RCL. Currently we have a Balcony with Bella package but are considering splurging on a Whirpool Suite with Aurea package. Can anyone tell what is NOT included drink and food wise in this package?

 

The determining factor will be the value of what the Aurea package provides over the bella. Things we would purchase if we went bella would be on the Aurea look like the spa offering thats included, Drinks (not huge drinkers but like beers and fruity cocktails like pina colads and margaritas by the pool), coffee, extras like gelato and the Dining flexibility( although this isnt a huge value for us and we are fine with standard early dining time).

 

I know there isnt specific info for the seaside yet as she is on maiden voyage still but any general feedback from MSC experiences will be helpful.

 

Thanks in advance

[Aulanis]

Have you checked the stickies by Skier at the top of the forum.?

Also have you" status matched" with MSC - if it is still running that will give you an instant 5% off the basic cruise fare and maybe other perks if you qualify for "Black" status. google msc status match

[researchfreak90]

Have you checked the stickies by Skier at the top of the forum.?

Also have you" status matched" with MSC - if it is still running that will give you an instant 5% off the basic cruise fare and maybe other perks if you qualify for "Black" status. google msc status match

 

 

We did status match to Silver a couple weeks ago thanks! Ill take a browse at the stickies to see what info I can find.

[Beamafar]

This is what's included in the package that comes with an Aurea booking:

 

ALL-INCLUSIVE CLASSIC DRINK PACKAGE ADULT Drink all you want, where you want, in total freedom and with a light heart! Unlimited spirits (Premium brands are excluded), liqueurs and cordials, wide range of cocktails, a selection of wines by the glass, draught and bottled beer, energy drinks, coolers, canned sodas, fruit juices, Premium mineral water, Premium coffees and coffee-based drinks, hot chocolate delights and takeaway ice cream in a cone or cup. The drinks included in the package can be consumed in all bars, self-service buffet, restaurants, and speciality restaurants. The following items are excluded: Premium spirt brands, tobacco, bottles of wine and champagne, souvenir glasses, fresh fruit drinks, minibar and mineral water provided in the cabin, drinks delivered through room service and food served in the specialty restaurants and theme bars. TERMS & CONDITIONS: The package is for personal use only and valid for one order at a time. The ID card is non-transferrable. Abusing the terms of the all-inclusive package may cause the service to be withdrawn and the remaining days not to be refunded. The price of the package applies to each day of the cruise except for the day of disembarkation; the package cannot be purchased on daily basis. Once activated on board, the package cannot be interrupted and refunded. The package must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin, or just travelling together and wishing to eat at the same table, including minors who must book the Child version of the package. The package is not obligatory for infants under 3 years old (i.e. who have not yet reached their 3rd birthday). The package is not available for charter cruises and for large groups (over 250 persons on the Lirica class vessels, over 350 persons on the Musica class vessels, over 500 persons on the Fantasia class vessels). The package is not available for cruises 1-3 night; the minimum number of night is FOUR (4).

[manime]

I believe if you add the drinks package to the price of the Bella it is more expensive than just booking the Aurea with the inclusive drinks and also aurea gives you all the benefits as listed above. That was the case when we booked the Aurea last year so it was a no brainier for us.

[researchfreak90]

I believe if you add the drinks package to the price of the Bella it is more expensive than just booking the Aurea with the inclusive drinks and also aurea gives you all the benefits as listed above. That was the case when we booked the Aurea last year so it was a no brainier for us.

 

What we really want is the Suite with the Whirlpool as we are traveling with then just under 2 yr old. Last cruise we missed out on the hot tubs which are our favorite because it was hard to bring her to those areas, with the tub on the balcony it will allow us to enjoy that with her playing on the balcony and in the room or while she naps. However, the room only comes with the Aurea package which makes the room upgrade and the package upgrade we go from 1820 total to 3540 total. So math goes Extra 100 OBC, 600 or so in Drink packages, and 300 or so in what we would already spend on spa treatments. This makes the true extra cost about 720 for the room with the tub and extra space. So we are just trying to figure out with the biggest portion of the Aurea (the Drinks) includes everything we would want to consume.

 

Dont get me wrong I think the room is a fantastic price for what you get compared with RCL, however If you can save money because it doesnt really pay for itself why not when your raising a family and would like to use that money torwards other family experiences, vacations or college funds.

[manime]

Have to say we also looked at the room with hot tub but for the little time we would spend in the tub we decided against it. Having a wee one might justify it if you can spend more time in there whilst the little one naps or whatever. Having just returned from 4 days away in a log cabin with a hot tub we generally spent half an hour in the morning and much the same at night in the tub and the rest of the time out and about. Weigh up how much time you would spend a day in there then you can see how much it really will cost you. For me the approx cost £700 extra for 1 hour a day equates to £100/ hour and not worth that but to each their own. Good luck with whatever you decide.